President Muizzu Continues Meemu Atoll Tour, Launches Projects and Makes New Pledges

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu continued his tour of Meemu Atoll yesterday, visiting Dhiggaru, Maduvvari, Raiymandhoo, and Naalaafushi, where he launched projects, met residents, and outlined new development plans.

The President announced the construction of 75 housing units in Dhiggaru this year, with a second 75-unit project planned to follow. In Naalaafushi, he unveiled a land reclamation project covering 15 hectares—larger than the island’s current landmass.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Starting Friday, President Muizzu aims to visit 31 islands across Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atolls within eight days.

300 Housing Units for Muli

President Muizzu assured residents that construction of 300 housing units in Muli will begin next year as well.

According to the President’s Office, the project will be carried out in two phases: 150 units will start in February, followed by the remaining 150 in September. The President also said the Government will soon disburse funds to eligible applicants under the housing loan scheme, with a new round of applications opening next year.

Land Reclamation Project for Naalaafushi

While addressing the Naalaafushi community, the President said land reclamation, harbour expansion, and causeway development will be carried out by a single contractor, with physical works scheduled to start in December.

President Dr @MMuizzu addresses M. Naalaafushi residents, outlining upcoming projects for the island, reaffirming his unwavering support for the community's growth. #RayyithunGaathah #VMFThVisit pic.twitter.com/QD72cBvv0c— The President's Office (@presidencymv) September 22, 2025

He also highlighted other initiatives, including a new school due to open by the next academic year, expanded health centre services, and a futsal court set to begin later this year.

During the visit, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure and the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) signed an agreement for the integrated land reclamation and harbour development project. Groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for the Fitness and Recreation Centre, Police Post, and the new Council Secretariat.

Meeting with the Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and local institution heads at Naalaafushi School, the President reviewed development priorities. Council members raised urgent needs, including harbour upgrades, improved water and sewerage systems, expanded sports facilities, a picnic island, accelerated causeway construction, additional electricity generation, and space expansion at the health centre.

President Muizzu assured residents that the Government would address these concerns, with Cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises providing updates on ongoing projects.

Housing and Other Development Plans for Dhiggaru

At Dhiggaru, the President highlighted initiatives focused on housing, infrastructure, and population consolidation. He confirmed the construction of 75 housing units this year, with a second 75-unit project planned to follow, and pledged to prioritise the renovation and upgrade of the harbour next year.

He added that next year’s budget will include a new nine-classroom school building and a multi-purpose hall to address space constraints. Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable fisheries development, the President said reforms will benefit the local fishing community, though such changes will take time to implement.

Meeting with the Dhiggaru Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and local institution heads, the President received requests for accelerated harbour works, extended utilities, a resident doctor, a sea ambulance, additional school facilities, a football ground, an administrative building for Fenaka Corporation staff, a police station, and support for the fishing community. He assured the Council that the Government would consider their requests and continue advancing ongoing projects.

New Harbour and Sports Projects for Maduvvari

In Maduvvari, the President assured residents that construction of a new leeward harbour will begin early next year. He confirmed that the harbour project will be prioritised and pledged new sports infrastructure to enhance recreational facilities.

During the visit, the President held discussions with council members and residents on future development plans, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior officials from State-Owned Enterprises, who provided updates on ongoing projects.

President Emphasises Resident Consent in Population Consolidation Plans

At Raiymandhoo, the President reaffirmed that population consolidation will proceed only after full consultation with residents. Speaking at Raiymandhoo School, he engaged directly with the community to discuss development prospects and address daily livelihood concerns.

Residents expressed differing views, with some supporting relocation and others preferring to remain. President Muizzu stressed that consolidation is a cost-effective policy that strengthens communities but will only proceed with residents’ full consent. He clarified that relocation would require at least 80 per cent of the population to support it and assured that a housing project would be provided on the host island if residents opt to relocate.

The President emphasised that all perspectives—both for and against relocation—were given due consideration.